NAFA Celebrates 15 Years of Dedication to Fixed Annuities

By Kim O'Brien

The Annuity Advocate

Milwaukee, WI - March 12, 2013 - The National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) proudly
celebrates its 15th year of dedication to fixed annuities. The ‘for’ in the association’s moniker
was 100% intentional as NAFA is the only association solely dedicated to fixed
annuities.Originally founded in 1998
as the National Association for Indexed Products, today NAFA is a trade
association exclusively
dedicated to educating regulators, legislators, journalists, and
industry personnel, about the value of fixed annuities and their benefits to
consumers. NAFA’s membership
represents every aspect of the fixed annuity marketplace, covering 84% of fixed
annuities sold by independent agents, advisors and brokers.

In commemoration of its 15th
year, NAFA has dedicated March as Annuity Awareness Month to provide a
mouthpiece and venue to promote the value of annuities in retirement and income
planning. NAFA will be working
with its trade partners to develop a communication strategy and outreach
program to key legislators to sponsor a Congressional Resolution making March
America’s National Annuity Awareness Month.

"NAFA is proud to have played an instrumental role in the
protection and advancement of fixed annuity products," stated NAFA
President & CEO, Kim O'Brien. "Working closely with NAFA
members, carrier companies, marketing organizations, federal, state and local
legislators, I believe we succeeded in clearing up many of the misconceptions
previously associated with fixed annuity products.”The association has grown significantly over the years from a
one-person operation to one whose members now contribute over $1 million
annually. Its membership strength is primarily due to NAFA's accomplishments
while advocating on behalf of fixed annuities. Since its inception 15 years ago, the association has lead
and participated in a many milestones on behalf of the fixed annuity industry,
including:

The overturn
of Rule 151A

Reduction in
product complaints at record lows due to increased producer and consumer
education efforts

Conceptualization
and introduction of first new Fixed Annuity product in 300 years

Introduction
of new product trends such as Long Term Care and Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal
Benefit

Publication of
a great number of materials to continually educate industry personnel on best
practices

Established
Annuity Outlook Magazine, to inform and education annuity professionals

"Thanks to the foresight of a handful of people in
the late 90s, NAFA has grown from a mere idea to a major force and advocate for
fixed annuities," stated NAFA Board Member,
Robert Phillips. Continued Phillips,"
NAFA has spent countless hours throughout the past 15 years to educate
consumers, the judiciary, and federal, state and local legislators on the value
of fixed annuities."